Misbah says hard work simple reply to criticism

Lahore: Pakistan captain Misbah-ul-Haq has said that being nominated for the International Cricket Council (ICC) Awards 2011 is a “positive sign” and payback for hard work, which is the “simple reply to all sorts of criticism”.

“It gives satisfaction to players, being paid back for the hard work in this form. Although it’s just a nomination, it still boosts your confidence and inducts new energy in you,” said Misbah.

He has been nominated in two categories- the ‘Test Player of the Year’ and the ‘Cricketer of the Year’- for the ICC Awards 2011.

“It’s [nomination] a positive sign as it also drives you to strive harder, to improve on your current show and reach further. As far as the criticism is concerned, I think this is an ongoing practice by some individuals and analysts who a player should not be afraid of. Hard work is the simple reply to all sorts of criticism,” The Express Tribune quoted the skipper, as saying.

The nomination comes at a timely turn of the cricket career of Misbah, who has been criticised for his on-field show in the recent past.

Five other Pakistan players- Wahab Riaz, Azhar Ali, Adnan Akmal, Saeed Ajmal and Mohammad Hafeez- have also won ICC nominations in categories of the ‘Emerging Player of the Year’ and the ‘ODI Player of the Year’.

“I worked very hard in last three years for the comeback and I think this nomination tells me I’m heading in the right direction,” said Hafeez.

“Everyone apart from us has been playing in their home conditions, but we still have been able to make an impact, playing away from home and deprived of home conditions. Still, we managed to have nominations which is something great and I am very delighted for everyone,” he added.

Meanwhile, after earning a recall to the national side after missing out on the tour of the West Indies, Adnan was shocked to be shortlisted for the ICC Awards.

“I never hoped to be nominated but it’s an honour for me,” said Akmal. “I didn’t play much cricket but whatever I played, I did it sincerely and that is the main reason why I was able to make an impact.”